ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Department of Space
Centre informs that the usage of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System  has increased in India
NavIC finds utilization in national projects like public vehicle safety, power grid synchronisation, real-time train information system, fishermen safety: Dr Jitendra Singh
The Centre today informed that the usage of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System  has increased in India.
In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State  Science & Technology; Minister of State  Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said, NavIC finds utilisation in national projects like public vehicle safety, power grid synchronisation, real-time train information system, fishermen safety, etc. Other upcoming initiatives viz. common alert protocol-based emergency warning, time dissemination, geodetic network, unmanned aerial vehicles, etc. are in the process of adopting NavIC system, the Minister informed.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, many mobile phone models in the country are already having NavIC compatibility. Department of Space is constantly engaged with the manufacturers of mobile phones and chipsets to support them technically for adding NavIC compatibility in their devices.
NavIC system provides signals for positioning. Applications like Google Maps can utilize the position obtained through NavIC or other similar system and display it on a map or other user interface for easy visualization. Signals provided by NavIC system are agnostic to the end-user application. Hence, a mobile phone which has NavIC compatibility automatically uses NavIC signals when showing position on maps. Performance of NavIC system is at par with the other positioning systems.
The current version of NavIC is compatible with L5 and S bands. This is as per the international frequency coordination and compatibility. The current version has been able to penetrate the civilian sector. The addition of signal in L1 band will help in faster penetration in the civilian sector. The next satellites starting from NVS-01 onwards will have an L1 band for civilian navigational use.
Government is working to launch replacement satellites NVS-01 onwards for the current seven satellite constellation. Simultaneously, studies are underway to work out suitable configuration to expand the reach of NavIC beyond its current coverage.
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Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Shri Narayan Rane addresses the National Seminar on Growth & Development of MSMEs
The Ministry of Micro, Small, & Medium Enterprises  organised a National Seminar on Growth and Development of MSMEs in Imphal, Manipur today to generate awareness about the Central Government’s schemes and policies for the MSME sector.
Addressing the Seminar, Union Minister for MSME, Shri Narayan Rane, emphasized on the fact that Manipur will emerge as the premier gateway to ASEAN because of the combined efforts of Government of India and Government of Manipur. The establishment of one of the Technology Centres of Ministry of MSME and the implementation of the scheme called Promotion of MSMEs in North Eastern Region & Sikkim under the new Guidelines will further contribute to making Manipur an important import-export hub for the NE region.
On this occasion, the Ministry of MSME signed Memoranda of Understanding for Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance  with the Department of Textiles, Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Government of Manipur, and three platforms of Trade Receivables Discounting System , viz. InvoiceMart, M1Xchange and RXIL. Micro and Small Enterprises showcased products of various categories.
Senior officers from Ministry of MSME and State Departments of Manipur were also present during the event.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Shri G. Kishan Reddy calls for concerted efforts by the BIMSTEC countries to fight against the menace of Drug Trafficking
The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri G. Kishan Reddy presided over the Valedictory session of the ‘Conference on Combating Drug Trafficking’ for BIMSTEC  Partner Nations, in New Delhi today.
Addressing the Valedictory Session Shri G. Kishan Reddy said that the menace of Drug trafficking can be controlled only by the concerted efforts of the affected nations by sharing the experiences and information. He said that this multi-dimensional menace can be tackled by comprehensive attack and strategy with a joint and coordinated approach. He expressed hope that over the past two days this conference have discussed many important facts and issues in detail while focusing the emerging challenges.
The Minister said that the Drug trafficking menace is common to all the nations of the world as it has the capacity to destabilize the economics and its impact is equally visible at the level of single individual destroying families and destructing the social fabric.
Talking about the steps taken by Government of India in combating the drug trafficking Shri G. Kishan Reddy said that the Government has laid down a well thought out strategy to increase coordination among the agencies of the Centre as well as States and the Home Ministry has established a joint coordination committee to increase surveillance over drug trafficking. He said that we are committed to combat Drug trafficking through greater regional cooperation.
He said that the relation between BIMSTEC countries are much beyond the diplomatic relations as we have centuries old deep cultural and traditional ties however we all face similar maritime security threats. The issues of terrorism and drug trafficking have increased manifold through the maritime route and this makes the coordination among these nation all the important.
The Secretary MSJ&E , Shri R. Subrahmanyam, Secretary East BIMSTEC, Smt. Vijay Thakur Singh, D G Narcotics Control Bureau, Shri Rakesh Asthana and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
Special Service and Features
Applications invited for Degree and Diploma courses in Apparel Training
Thiruvananthapuram 27 May 2023
Applications are invited for Degree and Diploma courses in Apparel Training & Design Centres under Union Ministry of Textiles. Courses are conducted at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kannur centres. Eligibility – Plus two. Three-year fashion designing B.Voc degree and one-year fashion designing diploma courses will start from next month .
For more information contact - 99 47 61 01 49 / 97 46 27 10 04 / 97 46 85 34 05.
-NS-
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Election Commission
Prof.  Ashutosh Kumar appointed as the first visiting professor to the T. N. Seshan Chair at IIIDEM
To commemorate and celebrate the achievements & contributions of Sh. T N Seshan, former Chief Election Commissioner  of India & his special connect with the young and aspiring India, Election Commission of India had announced the establishment and funding of a Chair on interdisciplinary approach to Electoral Studies in the Centre for Curriculum Development at India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management , New Delhi. The Chair will be mentored by Sh. N. Gopalaswami, former CEC.
2. A search committee, under the Chairmanship of former CEC Shri N. Gopalaswami, was constituted by the Commission for selection. Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, AICTE; Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri, Director, IIT Bombay; Prof. Sudhir Krishnaswamy, Vice Chancellor, National Law School of India University, Bengaluru; Ms. Urvashi Gulati, Chief Secretary  Haryana & Sh. Dharmendra Sharma, Director General, IIIDEM were the other members. On the recommendations of the committee, the Commission has appointed Prof.  Ashutosh Kumar, Professor, Department of Political Science, Panjab University, as the first visiting professor to the T. N. Seshan Chair.
3. Prof.  Ashutosh Kumar has rich experience of over fourteen years at the level of Professor in the Department of Political Science, Panjab University, Chandigarh. He is also the Lala Lajpat Rai Chair Professor. His areas of specialization include Electoral Dynamics in Indian States. He has also conducted research on the subjects relating to problems of democratic transition and consolidation in developing countries. His research papers have been published in National and International Journals. He has also authored and edited books related to election studies in India.
4. Appointment of Prof.  Ashutosh Kumar will give impetus to the research activities at IIIDEM in the fields of Electoral Studies and Election Management. His contribution will also enhance & enrich development of curriculum for national and international trainings at IIIDEM.
Ministry of Defence
Army Eliminates Two Terrorists and Spoils Major Infiltration Bid in Uri sector
Army foiled a major infiltration attempt by the terrorists along the Line of Control  in Uri sector in Baramulla district. The terrorists, who tried to infiltrate on night of 04-05 Nov by exploiting difficult terrain conditions along LC were intercepted by the alert Army troops on duty close to LC. The terrorists thereafter resorted to indiscriminate firing and in the ensuing gun battle two terrorists were killed.
(Deliberate search operation was launched, in areas close to the Line of Control, during which the bodies of slain terrorists were recovered by the troops. Army also recovered few weapons and warlike stores. This is the fourth infiltration attempt foiled in Uri sector in last five months.
Col Aman Anand
PRO
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT OF INDIA TO VISIT UTTAR PRADESH FROM FEBRUARY 12 TO 13
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu will visit Uttar Pradesh from February 12 to 13, 2023.
On February 12, 2023, the President will grace the Valedictory Session of UP Global Investors Summit-2023 in Lucknow. On the same evening, she will attend a civic reception to be hosted in her honour by the Government of Uttar Pradesh at Lok Bhavan, Lucknow.
On February 13, 2023, the President will grace the 10th convocation of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow. Before returning to Delhi, she will also visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and attend Ganga Aarti at Varanasi.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Final Estimates of 2018-19 and 1st Advance Estimates of 2019-20 of Area and Production of various Horticulture Crops
Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare has released the Final Estimates of 2018-19 and 1st Advance Estimates of 2019-20 of Area and Production of various Horticulture Crops. These are based on the information received from different State/UTs and other source agencies.
|
|
Total Horticulture
|
|
2017-18
|
|
2018-19

|
|
2019-20

|
|
Area 
|
|
25.24
|
|
25.43
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|
25.61
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|
Production

|
|
310.67
|
|
310.74
|
|
313.35
Highlights of 2018-19
- The Total Horticulture Production of the country is estimated to be 310.74 Million Tonne in 2018-19, which is marginally higher than the Horticulture Production in 2017-18.
- Increase in Fruits, Flowers, Spices and Honey while decrease in Vegetables, Aromatic & Medicinal Plants and Plantation Crops.
- Fruits Production is estimated to be around 97.97 Million Tonne, compared to 96.45 Million Tonne of 2017-18.
- Vegetables Production is estimated to be around 183.17 Million, which is lesser than the production of 2017-18.
- Onion Production is estimated to be around 22.82 Million Tonne, which is lesser than the production of 2017-18.
- Potato Production is estimated to be around 50.19 Million Tonne, which is lesser than the production of 2017-18.
- Tomato Production is estimated to be around 19.01 Million Tonne, which is lower than the production of 2017-18.
Highlights of 2019-20 
- Total Horticulture production in 2019-20  is expected to be 0.84% higher than 2018-19.
- Increase in Vegetables, Aromatics and Medicinal and Plantations is envisaged but decrease in Fruits, Flowers and Spices is expected.
- The Fruits production is expected to be lower by 2.27% in 2019-20 over 2018-19. It is mainly due to loss in production of Grapes, Banana, Mango, Citrus, Papaya and Pomegranate.
- Increase of 2.64 % in production of vegetables in 2019-20 over 2018-19. Increase is mainly due to increased production of Onion, Potato and Tomato.
- Onion production is expected to be 24.45 Million Tonne  as compared to 22.82 Million Tonne in 2018-19.
- Potato production is expected to be 51.94 Million Tonne  as compared to 50.19 Million Tonne in 2018-19.
- Tomato production is expected to be 19.33 Million Tonne  as compared to 19.01 Million Tonnes in 2018-19.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana  Surpasses Employment Generation Target
The Central Government's innovative employment incentive scheme, the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana , has exceeded its initial employment generation goals, showcasing its success in fostering job creation and recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Launched effectively from October 1, 2020, the ABRY was designed to stimulate the creation of new job opportunities by extending financial support to employers of establishments registered with the Employees' Provident Fund Organization . This scheme aimed to incentivize employment of unemployed individuals, including those who lost their jobs due to the pandemic, by covering both the employee and employer contributions  for establishments with up to 1000 employees. For establishments with over 1000 employees, only the employee's EPF contributions  were covered in respect of new employees.
The scheme, which remained open for registrations until March 31, 2022, had set a target to benefit approximately 7.18 million employees across India. As of July 31, 2023, the ABRY has already achieved an enrolment of over 7.58 million new employees, surpassing its initial employment generation target.
To date, a total of 1,52,380 establishments, employing 60,44,155 new employees and upon fulfilling all the eligibility conditions, have availed benefits amounting to a sum of Rs. 9,669.87 Crore under the ABRY scheme. The scheme's ensures the disbursements of benefits to specific eligibility criteria, met by beneficiary establishments and employees on a month-to-month basis.
The scheme's emphasize substantial contribution to the job market's revival, underscoring its role in boosting economic recovery during these challenging times.
For more information about the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana , please visit <https://www.epfindia.gov.in/site_en/abry.php>.
Ministry of Earth Sciences
Seismic Microzonation Study to Generate Risk Resilient Parameters
Natural disasters are triggered by natural processes and not always affected by the human consequences. However, vulnerability of any region is always affected by non-engineered structures. Thus, there is a need to devise the proper mitigation strategies by adopting scientific and engineering solutions to reduce the associated risks.
Seismic Microzonation study is important as it helps to generate inputs for constructing earthquake risk resilient buildings/infrastructures/dwellings to reduce and mitigate the impacts of earthquake shaking and for minimising the damages to structures and loss of lives for safer urban planning.
The National Centre for Seismology , an attached office of the Ministry of Earth Sciences and nodal agency of Government of India for earthquake monitoring in the country, maintains the National Seismological Network comprising of 152 observatories presently, located throughout the country for monitoring of seismic activity in and around the country, with detection capability down to magnitude 3.0 for most part of the country. The Centre is planning to establish 100 more new observatories in the next 2 to 3 years to further enhance seismic monitoring capabilities in the country.
This information was given by the Minister for State  for Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Creamy Layer formula for OBCs
The Creamy Layer formula for Other Backward Classes  employed with the State Governments, Central Government, Public Sector Undertakings  and banks, for the purpose of their employment in Central Government jobs and admission to Central Government educational institutions is at present covered by the instructions of Department of Personnel and Training dated 08.09.1993 and 14.10.2004 and Department of Public Enterprises and the Department of Financial Services, vide Office Memorandum dated 25.10.2017 and 06.12.2017, respectively.
An Expert Committee has been constituted by the Government of India under the Chairmanship of Shri B.P. Sharma  on 08.03.2019 to examine the issues related to Creamy layer equivalence among the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes . The Committee is expected to submit its report anytime soon.
This information was given by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister co-chairs the 18th India-ASEAN Summit
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today participated in the 18th India-ASEAN Summit at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, the current Chair of ASEAN. The Summit was held virtually and saw participation from the Leaders of ASEAN Member States.
Highlighting the milestone of 30th anniversary of India-ASEAN Partnership, the leaders announced the Year 2022 as India-ASEAN Friendship Year. Prime Minister underlined the centrality of ASEAN in India's Act East Policy and in India's Vision for the wider Indo-Pacific Vision. Building upon the synergies between the ASEAN Outlook for the Indo-Pacific  and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative , PM and ASEAN leaders welcomed the adoption of the India-ASEAN Joint Statement on cooperation for peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
On COVID-19, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s efforts in the fight against the pandemic in the region and also reiterated support for ASEAN’s initiatives in this regard. India has contributed medical supplies worth USD 200,000 to ASEAN’s humanitarian initiative for Myanmar and USD 1 million for ASEAN’s Covid-19 Response Fund.
The leaders exchanged views on enhancing India-ASEAN connectivity in broadest terms including physical, digital and people to people. To further strengthen India-ASEAN cultural connectivity, Prime Minister announced India’s support for establishing the ASEAN Cultural Heritage List. On trade and investment, he underlined the importance of diversification and resilience of supply chains for post-COVID economic recovery and in this regard, the need to revamp the India-ASEAN FTA.
The ASEAN leaders appreciated India’s role as a trusted partner in the region especially during the current Covid-19 Pandemic with its supply of vaccine. They also welcomed India’s support to ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific and looked forward to greater India-ASEAN cooperation in the region through the Joint Statement.
The discussions also covered regional and international issues of common interest and concern, including South China Sea and terrorism. Both sides noted the importance of promoting a rules-based order in the region including through upholding adherence to international law, especially the UNCLOS. The leaders affirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, safety and security in the South China Sea, and ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight.
India and ASEAN share a deep, robust and multifaceted relationship and the 18th India-ASEAN Summit provided an opportunity to review the various facets of this relationship and give a direction to the future of the India-ASEAN Strategic Partnership at the highest level.
Ministry of Railways
For Bullet Train Projects, the Final Location Survey, Geotechnical investigation completed and Alignment finalized
Statutory Clearances relating to wildlife, Coastal Regulation Zone  and Forest clearance obtained
At present Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail  project is the only sanctioned project of High Speed Rail  in the country which is under execution with the financial and technical assistance from Government of Japan. A Special Purpose Vehicle , namely National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited  has been formed to implement the Project.
The current status of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail  project is as under:-
- The Final Location Survey and Geotechnical investigation completed. Alignment finalized.
- Statutory Clearances relating to wildlife, Coastal Regulation Zone  and Forest clearance obtained.
- Out of total land requirement of approx. 1396 ha, consent agreement signed/regular award done for approx. 1046 ha land.
- 1342 out of 1651 utilities shifted.
- The entire project work has been divided into 27 Contract Packages including Training Institute at Vadodara. At present, 07 packages have been awarded and 10 more have been invited.
The total cost incurred on the MAHSR Project upto the June, 2021 is approximately Rs.13,483 crores, mainly on Land Acquisition, Utility Shifting and Contractual Payments. The project has suffered delays due to adverse impact of COVID-19 pandemic and slow progress in handling over of land in the State of Maharashtra.
Further, Ministry of Railways has assigned the work for survey and preparation of Detailed Project Report  for the seven High Speed Rail  corridors to National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited  which include Chennai-Bangalore-Mysore and Mumbai-Pune-Hyderabad routes of South India and the same is under progress.
This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Heavy Industries
PLI Scheme for EV Makers
PLI Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components industry in India incentives Advanced Automobile Technology  Products. EV is one of the AAT Products. As reported by the approved applicants under this PLI Scheme, Investment up to March 31, 2023 is ₹8,898 crore. However, no claim has been received for the FY 2022-23 and therefore there is no disbursement.
Companies are in the process of making investment and getting their products certified by Testing Agencies of Ministry of Heavy Industries . Post certification, companies are expected to submit claims after meeting criteria for threshold investment and threshold sales of eligible products.
Under PLI-Auto Scheme selection of applicants have been completed by March, 2022. Companies are in the process of making investment and getting their products certified by Testing Agencies of Ministry of Heavy Industries . Post certification, companies are expected to submit claims after meeting criteria for threshold investment and threshold sales of eligible products.
Based on wide stakeholder consultations with all approved applicants under this PLI Scheme, Frequently Asked Question  and Standard Operating Procedure  have been issued by this Ministry from time to time to address the concerns of the applicants and meet the objective of promoting domestic manufacturing and Job creation in Auto Industry.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Heavy Industries, Shri Krishan Pal Gurjarin a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.